The Babraham Research Campus this week hosted a delegation of Indian stem cell companies, organised by the East of England Stem Cell Network (EESCN) and UKTI. Six of the subcontinent's leading regenerative medicine companies not only learnt about the Eastern region's world class strengths in stem cell science and regenerative medicine, but its ability to foster international research collaborations and to sustain new businesses. EESCN aims to foster a world-leading regenerative medicine technology cluster in the East of England.

The Network's Director, Julian Hitchcock said, "Stem cell science and regenerative medicine offer significant opportunities to increase not only health, but wealth and employment. The East of England is in a particularly strong position, because it is already the strongest region for stem cell sciences and regenerative medicine outside the United States (which is one reason why Pfizer Regenerative Medicine opened the pharma world's first dedicated site here). However, to succeed there has to be an openness, not only to the excellent work being undertaken in other centres around the UK, but to that being conducted overseas. Collaboration is very definitely the way forward in such a complex and challenging field. We're therefore delighted to welcome these six Indian stem cell companies to Cambridge."

Tim Willis, Head of International Relations at BBSRC added, “BBSRC’s new strategic plan, published in January 2010, outlines the importance of international partnerships in achieving its strategic priorities, which include agri-food science, crop science, animal diseases and life sciences underpinning health. BBSRC has enjoyed a long and mutually beneficial partnership with India and looks forward to building on this.” Dr Nigel Whittle, R&D Specialist of UKTI’s R&D Programme said, "UKTI is delighted that the Babraham Institute, a centre of excellence in epigenetics and regenerative medicine, has agreed to host the inward mission of Indian stem cell organisations. The mission provides an excellent opportunity for the UK and the region to showcase its unparalleled expertise and capabilities in regenerative medicine. We hope that the mission will lead to significant collaborations in the field.”

About the Babraham Institute:
The Babraham Institute undertakes world-class life sciences research to generate new knowledge of biological mechanisms underpinning ageing, development and the maintenance of health. Our research focuses on cellular signalling, gene regulation and the impact of epigenetic regulation at different stages of life. By determining how the body reacts to dietary and environmental stimuli and manages microbial and viral interactions, we aim to improve wellbeing and support healthier ageing. The Institute is strategically funded by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC), part of UK Research and Innovation, through an Institute Core Capability Grant and also receives funding from other UK research councils, charitable foundations, the EU and medical charities.

The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) is the UK funding agency for research in the life sciences. Sponsored by Government, BBSRC annually invests around £450 million in a wide range of research that makes a significant contribution to the quality of life for UK citizens and supports a number of important industrial stakeholders including the agriculture, food, chemical, health and well-being and pharmaceutical sectors. BBSRC carries out its mission by funding internationally competitive research, providing training in the biosciences, fostering opportunities for knowledge transfer and innovation and promoting interaction with the public and other stakeholders on issues of scientific interest in universities, centres and institutes.

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